Chapter 6.08
LICENSING OF DOGS AND CATS
Sections:
6.08.010 License – Required for dogs – Optional for cats.
6.08.020 License – Fee – Certification of spaying or neutering.
6.08.031 Boarding kennels/catteries, commercial kennels, pet shops and animal shelters.
6.08.040 License – License tag – Issuance.
6.08.050 License – Nontransferable.
6.08.060 License tags – Replacement.
6.08.070 License tags – Removal unlawful.
6.08.080 Impoundment of unlicensed dogs.
6.08.010 License – Required for dogs – Optional for cats.
To facilitate reuniting dogs with their owners, it is unlawful for any person to own, keep, or have control of any dog over the age of six months within the city unless the person has procured a license for the dog as provided in this chapter. The owner of a cat over the age of six months may procure a license for the cat as provided in this chapter. (Ord. 2019-13 § 11, 2019: Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.020 License – Fee – Certification of spaying or neutering.
A. As of July 1, 1992, fees for licenses for dogs are as follows:
1. For each dog which is spayed or castrated, as established by resolution, for the life of the dog.
2. For each dog not spayed or castrated, an annual fee as established by resolution.
B. A statement or letter from a veterinarian, certifying that the dog has been spayed or castrated must be presented when applying for the initial lifetime license.
C. As of July 1, 1992, the fee for the optional license for each cat shall be as established by resolution, for the life of the cat.
D. The cost of a license purchased after January 1st of a licensing year shall be reduced by 50 percent. This reduced fee is not applicable to renewals and lifetime licenses. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.025 License exemptions.
A. Licenses and license tags shall be provided free of charge by the city to service dogs properly trained to assist the handicapped as follows:
1. When such dogs are actually being used by the handicapped for the purpose of aiding the handicapped in going from place to place;
2. To dogs currently being trained for the purpose of aiding the handicapped in a school or program which has been approved or accredited by a professional organization or association, either for profit or not for profit; or
3. To pups and young dogs being raised under the 4-H program known as “Guide Dogs for the Blind”, “Service Dogs”, etc.
B. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to dogs used by a law enforcement agency for law enforcement work or to dogs in the custody of a veterinarian, pet store, or animal shelter, or whose owners are non-residents temporarily within the city for a period not to exceed 30 days. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.030 License – Date due.
The fee for a dog license, except a lifetime license, shall be due and payable on the first day of July of each year. If the license fee is not paid on or before July 31st of each year, the applicant shall pay a penalty fee as established by resolution for each license in addition to the regular license fee; provided, that the applicant shall not pay the penalty fee if as of July 31st:
A. The applicant has been a resident of the city for 30 days or less;
B. The applicant has owned, kept or been in control of the dog for 30 days or less;
C. The dog, at the time of the application for the license, is six months of age or less; or
D. The applicant voluntarily applies for a license prior to being warned or cited by the animal control officer. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.031 Boarding kennels/catteries commercial kennels, pet shops and animal shelters.
A. License Required. Boarding kennels/catteries, commercial kennels, pet shops and animal shelters shall be licensed annually before or during the month of July or within 30 days of commencement of operation.
B. License Expiration. Licenses issued pursuant to this section shall expire on June 30th of each year.
C. License Fees. License fees shall be as follows:
1. Commercial Kennel *
2. Boarding Kennel/Cattery *
3. Pet Shop *
4. Animal Shelter *
*As established by resolution.
D. Additional License Fee. If a license is not obtained by July 31st, there shall be an additional license fee as established by resolution for a commercial kennel or boarding kennel/cattery and for a pet shop.
E. Proration of License Fee. Upon commencement of operation, the initial license fee for a commercial kennel, boarding kennel/cattery or pet shop shall be prorated according to the number of months remaining in the license year.
F. License Application. A license application for a commercial kennel, boarding kennel/cattery, pet shop or animal shelter shall be made to the animal control authority and shall contain the following:
1. Name, address and telephone number of the owner or operator of the facility, and the name and address of the facility;
2. The type of license sought and a brief description of the magnitude and nature of the contemplated operation;
3. A written statement from the city’s department of community development or other satisfactory proof that the proposed operation conforms to the city’s zoning code and all other land use regulations.
G. License Issuance. The animal control authority shall issue the license or renewal thereof if the license fee is paid, if the application meets the requirements of subsection F of this section, and if, upon inspection, the operation or contemplated operation meets or will meet the requirements of subsections H and I of this section. The license shall contain its expiration date and shall be prominently displayed at the place of operation.
H. Operation Requirements.
1. Suitable food, water and medical attention shall be provided to all animals.
2. Food shall be stored in a fashion which prevents contamination or infestation.
3. The facilities shall be maintained and operated in a healthful, sanitary manner free from disease, infestation and foul odors.
4. Sick animals shall be isolated from healthy animals in quarters adequately ventilated to prevent contamination of healthy animals.
5. Animals shall receive adequate food, water and care on days when the facility is not open for business.
6. Animals shall be immunized from disease as is usual and customary for the animal’s age and species.
I. Facility Requirements.
1. Animal housing facilities shall be structurally sound, in good repair, designed to protect the animals from injury and shall provide sufficient security to contain the animals while preventing entry of unwanted animals.
2. The facilities shall include a washroom with sinks for hot and cold running water.
3. Indoor facilities shall:
a. Be heated or cooled to protect the animals from temperatures to which they are not acclimated;
b. Be adequately ventilated;
c. Have interior walls, ceilings and floors which are sealed and are resistant to absorption of moisture or odors;
d. Have flooring with an impervious surface that can be sanitized and which slopes no less than one-fourth inch to the foot; and
e. Have a drainage system which is connected to a septic system or sanitary sewer to facilitate cleaning.
4. Outdoor facilities shall:
a. Provide shelter and protection from adverse weather;
b. Provide sufficient room for adequate exercise and movement;
c. Have flooring with an impervious surface that can be sanitized; and
d. Have a drainage system which is connected to a septic system or sanitary sewer to facilitate cleaning.
J. Inspections. The animal control authority shall inspect existing or proposed commercial kennels, catteries, pet shops and animal shelters in connection with its licensing investigation and when inspections are necessary to insure compliance with this chapter. Inspections shall be made during regular business hours.
K. Revocation. Licenses issued pursuant to this chapter may be revoked by the animal control authority if the licensed commercial kennel, boarding kennel/cattery or pet shop is operating in violation of subsections H or I of this section. (Ord. 94-13 § 3, 1994; Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.032 Hobby kennels.
A. License Required. A person must apply for a hobby kennel license if the person owns, keeps, or maintains five or more unaltered dogs and/or cats over six months of age. Hobby kennels containing any unaltered dogs or cats shall be licensed annually before or during the month of July or within 30 days of commencement of operation. A person owning up to 10 dogs and/or cats all of which are altered may apply for a lifetime hobby kennel license for those animals.
B. License Expiration. Hobby kennel licenses shall expire on June 30th of each year.
C. License Fee. The annual license fee for a hobby kennel shall be as established by resolution. Lifetime hobby kennel license fees for kennels containing up to 10 altered animals shall be as established by resolution. There shall be an additional fee as established by resolution if the license is not obtained by July 31st.
D. Proration of License Fee. Upon commencement of operation, the initial license fee for a hobby kennel shall be prorated according to the number of months remaining in the license year.
E. License Application. An application for a hobby kennel license shall be made to the animal control authority and shall contain the following:
1. The name, address and telephone number of the applicant;
2. A diagram in approximate scale showing the property and structures for which the license is sought;
3. A diagram of the kennel facility;
4. A description of the uses to which the properties surrounding the proposed hobby kennel are devoted; and
5. The number and breeds of dogs and/or cats for which the license is sought.
F. License Issuance. The animal control authority shall issue the license or renewal thereof if the license fee is paid, if the application meets the requirements of subsection E of this section, and if, upon inspection, the existing or proposed hobby kennel is compatible with the uses of property in the surrounding area, would not create a burdensome annoyance to those in the vicinity, and would not cause a significant risk to health. In applying the foregoing standards, the animal control authority shall consider the layout and construction of the hobby kennel, setbacks, fencing, screening, soundproofing and appropriate sanitation procedures to prevent disease, infestation and foul odors. A license may be issued subject to conditions in the nature of physical alterations and improvements if the conditions would bring the hobby kennel within the foregoing standards. As a part of a hobby kennel license, the licensee shall receive a license tag for each dog or cat owned by the licensee. No further licensing is required for such animals.
G. Limitations Upon Number of Dogs/Cats. No hobby kennel shall have more than ten dogs or cats without the written consent of the animal control authority. A person desiring more than ten dogs or cats must seek permission in writing from the animal control authority. In considering such a request, the animal control authority shall consider the characteristics of the breed and the layout and surroundings of the kennel. Permission to have more than ten dogs or cats may be granted only if the increased number would not make the hobby kennel incompatible with the uses of property in the surrounding area.
H. Inspections. Prior to the issuance of a hobby kennel license or any renewal thereof, the animal control authority shall inspect the applicant’s premises at a mutually convenient time. The purpose of the inspection shall be to determine if the hobby kennel does or can meet the standards set forth in subsection F of this section.
I. Revocation. A hobby kennel license may be revoked by the animal control authority if the hobby kennel is operating in violation of subsection F or G of this section.
J. Exemption. An animal welfare organization foster home which has been issued a permit under BIMC 6.08.034 shall be exempt from hobby kennel license requirements; provided, that all personally owned animals shall be licensed in accordance with this chapter. (Ord. 2019-13 § 12, 2019; Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.033 Grooming parlors.
A. License Required. Grooming parlors shall be licensed annually before or during the month of July or within 30 days of commencement of operation.
B. License Expiration. Grooming parlor licenses shall expire an June 30th of each year.
C. License Fee. The license fee for a grooming parlor shall be as established by resolution. There shall be an additional fee as established by resolution if the license is not obtained by July 31st; provided, that if the grooming parlor is operated in conjunction with a commercial kennel or pet shop by the owner or operator thereof, the license fee shall not be collected.
D. Proration of License Fee. Upon commencement of operation the initial license fee for a grooming parlor shall be prorated according to the number of months remaining in the license year.
E. License Application. An application for a grooming parlor license shall be made to the animal control authority and shall contain the following:
1. The name, address and telephone number of the owner or operator of the facility, and the name and address of the facility;
2. A brief description of the magnitude and nature of the contemplated operation; and
3. A written statement from the city’s department of community development or other satisfactory proof that the contemplated operation conforms to city’s zoning code and all other land use regulations.
F. License Issuance. The animal control authority shall issue the license or renewal thereof if the license fee is paid, if the application meets the requirements of subsection E of this section, and if, upon inspection, the operation or contemplated operation meets or will meet the requirements of subsection G of this section. The license shall contain its date of expiration. The license shall be prominently displayed at the place of operation.
G. Operation and Facility Requirements. Grooming parlors shall:
1. Not board animals;
2. Provide restraining straps for animals to prevent injury to animals while being groomed;
3. Sterilize grooming equipment after each use;
4. Not leave animals unmonitored while drying before a dryer;
5. Not prescribe or administer treatment or medicine or otherwise engage in veterinary practice as defined by RCW 18.92.010;
6. Not cage animals in the same cage unless so requested by the owner of the animals;
7. Be structurally sound and in good repair;
8. Have grooming areas with walls, ceilings and floors which are sealed and are resistant to absorption of moisture and odors; and
9. Be cleaned and sanitized on a regular basis.
H. Inspections. The animal control authority shall inspect existing or proposed grooming parlors in connection with its licensing investigation and when inspections are necessary to insure compliance with this chapter. Inspections shall be made during regular business hours.
I. Revocation. Grooming parlor licenses may be revoked by the animal control authority if the grooming parlor is operating in violation of subsection G of this section. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.034 Foster home permit.
A. Permit Required. A person must obtain a foster home permit from the animal control authority or a designee of the animal control authority, which may be an animal welfare organization.
B. Standards. The animal control authority shall establish standards for foster homes and shall consider recommendations for such standards submitted by an animal welfare organization operating in the city.
C. Permit Issuance. The animal control authority shall issue the permit if the application meets the standards. Permits must be received annually and the animal control authority or its designee shall inspect the foster home prior to any renewal.
D. Compliance. All foster homes must comply with all city ordinances.
E. Revocation. Permits issued pursuant to this section may be revoked by the animal control authority if the foster home is operating in violation of subsections B, C or D of this section. (Ord. 2019-13 § 13, 2019; Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.040 License – License tag – Issuance.
A. The city clerk or animal control authority shall issue individual animal licenses to persons applying upon payment of the license fee. A license tag shall be issued by the city clerk or animal control authority for each dog or cat licensed. All fees collected under this section shall be submitted to the city clerk.
B. Commercial kennel, boarding kennel, cattery, grooming parlor, pet shop, and hobby kennel licenses shall be issued by the animal control authority upon receipt of application, payment of fees, and an inspection by the animal control authority. All fees collected under this section shall be retained by the animal control authority.
C. The license shall be dated and numbered and shall bear the name of Bainbridge Island, Washington, the name, address, and telephone number of the owner of the licensed dog or cat, the name of the dog or cat, and a description of the dog or cat, including its age, sex and color.
D. The license tag shall bear the name of Bainbridge Island, Washington, a serial number corresponding to the number on the license, and the date of expiration; provided, that lifetime license tags issued to cats or spayed or castrated dogs shall have no expiration date.
E. Every owner of a dog shall keep a substantial collar on the dog with a lifetime license tag or a license tag for the current licensing year. Alternatively, an owner may tattoo the lifetime license number inside the ear or right thigh of the dog or cat. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.050 License – Nontransferable.
A. Dog or cat licenses issued pursuant to this chapter shall not be transferable from one pet to another; provided, that this chapter shall not be construed to prevent a license from being transferred with the ownership of the dog or cat from one owner to another.
B. If an owner of an animal moves from another political subdivision of the county into the city during the year in which the license is current, the license shall be honored by the city so long as the license is current.
C. A lifetime license as issued cats or to spayed or castrated dogs may be transferred to new owners as long as information relating to the transfer is given to the animal control authority within 30 days of the transfer. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.060 License tags – Replacement.
Lost license tags may be replaced by a substitute identification tag upon payment of a replacement fee as established by resolution to the city clerk. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.070 License tags – Removal unlawful.
It is unlawful for a person other than the owner to remove a license tag from an animal licensed under the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.080 Impoundment of unlicensed dogs.
All dogs not licensed pursuant to this chapter, or who do not exhibit the license identification tag required by this chapter, are deemed to be a nuisance and may be seized and impounded. (Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)
6.08.090 Violation – Penalty.
A. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 1 civil infraction under RCW 7.80.120 and shall, upon conviction, be fined in an amount not to exceed $250.00.
B. In addition to any civil penalty that may be imposed, any person who refuses, fails to comply with, or violates BIMC 6.08.031, 6.08.032, or 6.08.033 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment of not more than 90 days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 2019-13 § 14, 2019: Ord. 91-41 § 3, 1991)